Munich’s Flick not out for revenge against Frankfurt

(FILES) In this file photo taken on December 11, 2019 Bayern Munich's German interim head coach Hans-Dieter Flick watches proceedings during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between Bayern Munich v Tottenham FC in Munich, Germany. - Hansi Flick is to remain Bayern Munich coach until 'at least' the end of season, the club said on December 22, 2019. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

Munich (dpa) – Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick said on Friday they have gotten over a 5-1 drubbing at Eintracht Frankfurt in autumn, a result that swept him into the job as Niko Kovac had to go.

The Bundesliga leaders Bayern face Frankfurt on Saturday and aim to maintain their four-point lead over Borussia Dortmund going into their topper set for Tuesday.

“It was a bitter defeat for all of us,” said Flick, who was an assistant of Kovac on the day.

“I don’t think much of it when you say we still have a score to settle because this is a completely different game with completely different requirements.

“It starts at zero. We will try to perform well under the conditions and we want to win this game. We want to be measured by that.”

Flick has created a big turnaround in Munich after a sluggish season start under Kovac, and has been awarded with a contract until 2023.

Frankfurt have lost their last four league matches and struggle in 13th place but Flick won’t underestimate Adi Huetter’s side who they meet again in the German cup semis in early June.

“Frankfurt have a lot of dynamism and a lot of heart. During the break I saw a lot of Eintracht games, which I really liked. Regardless of the results of the past few weeks, we expect a team that wants to get back on the road to success,” Flick said.

Flick said that Thiago Alcantara could miss the match with muscular problems while “things are looking good” for Serge Gnabry to return up front in their first home game since the restart behind closed doors.